Downhill attraction rides airport's wave of growth

Christchurch Airport is welcoming two pieces of good tourism
news on the same day - a multi-million dollar tourism attraction on
the Port Hills and thousands more trans-Tasman seats into
Christchurch next summer.

Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia yesterday announced
43-thousand additional trans-Tasman seats into Christchurch next
summer, just as the Government's $2 million contribution to the
$22.5m project mountain biking project was made public.

Chief Executive Malcolm Johns says the downhill mountain bike
park has the potential to be an iconic attractor for
Christchurch.

"The park, with chairlift, restaurant and accommodation gives
Canterbury a real shot at being a world class mountain biking
destination," he says. "Tourism NZ and Bike NZ have correctly
assessed this will put New Zealand on the world map alongside
destinations like Whistler in Canada.

"It is an example of the kind of fresh and inspirational iconic
attractors this city needs to bring visitors here. We endorse and
support all such efforts which fit with our long-stated aim to
bring more international visitors to the South Island/New Zealand
in through Christchurch Airport."

Airport company chairman David Mackenzie says CIAL has
identified a number of initiatives required to support the
airport's drive for more visitors.

"There is no doubt this mountain bike park is significant for
the city, the region and the South Island and is sure to attract
many visitors in through the airport. We are aware of and are
supporting several parties working on creative projects for the
city and hope they all come to fruition."

Malcolm Johns says new statistics reveal continued growth in
passenger movements between Christchurch and international
markets.

"For the month of April, growth in passenger arrivals through
this airport exceeded national averages by being up 12%. Our
April China arrivals were up 31.9%, compared to a national decline
of -1.4%. Australian arrivals were up 19% and other April
standouts include USA up 39%, UK up 18.1 and Germany up
8.7%," he says.